For several hours, protesters gathered at Phipps Park in Martin County to voice their concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the river and the Indian River Lagoon. Algae blooms everywhere and officials are telling people to avoid contact with the water.

"I grew up here," said protester Stan Buys. "I grew up on the river and I want my kids to grow up the same way I have. And to see the river go from green to brown and not being able to touch it has motivated me to do something about it."

Protesters said the water releases from Lake Okeechobee is to blame, an issue they said has taken its toll over the years.

Kacia McCullouch said she has only been in the area for a few months, but that the water was clear when she first moved here.

"I'd like to see the land to the south get reclaimed the way it's supposed to be and divert as much water to the south as possible," she said.

A Justice Department civil rights investigation has concluded that the Ferguson Police Department and the city's municipal court engaged in a "pattern and practice" of discrimination against African-Americans, targeting them disproportionately for tr...